Flood Watch for Charleston Lake and Gananoque Lake & Water Safety Statement for Inland Lakes and Streams

News Release

For immediate release

July 2, 2026

Cataraqui Conservation Issues Flood Watch for Charleston Lake and Gananoque Lake & Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety for Inland Lakes and Streams

Kingston – Cataraqui Conservation has issued a Flood Watch today for Charleston Lake and Gananoque Lake & Water Safety Statement for inland lakes and streams due to elevated and increasing flows and water levels.

Weather Situation:

Heavy rainfall associated with the thunderstorms on June 30 and July 1 has caused runoff to area watercourses and inland lakes, increasing water levels and flows. It appears that the Gananoque River system received more rainfall on July 1 than other areas, with 84 mm reported to have fallen that afternoon and evening. 

More thunderstorms are possible today (July 2) that could bring additional rainfall.

Conditions:

Flows are elevated on many watercourses, and some are continuing to increase. The Gananoque River could see flows similar to those during the spring freshet (snowmelt period). Water levels on Charleston Lake and Gananoque Lake are high. The Cataraqui River system is also experiencing elevated levels.

Water Managers continue to monitor water levels closely and make discharge adjustments to balance negative impacts, as much as possible, as excess water moves through the system.

Risks:

The main consideration is water safety along watercourses. Discharge rates through dams are increasing. Wiltse Creek and the Gananoque River downstream of Marble Rock Dam could see flows similar to those experienced during the spring freshet (snowmelt period). These high flows are expected to persist through the weekend and the week of Monday, July 6^th.

Cataraqui Conservation is urging caution around all dams (inflow and outflow channels) and fast-flowing watercourses. Respect the hazards in these areas by obeying all warning signs, and keep away from booms, buoys and barriers. Stay well back from the water’s edge above and below dams and hydroelectric stations. Creek banks and lake shorelines may be slippery, increasing the chance of falling in.

Widespread flooding is NOT expected. However, localized inundation of some low-lying areas is possible. Charleston Lake and Gananoque Lake, specifically, are noted areas of concern.

If you witness flooding and/or require assistance, your first point of contact is the local municipality. Sand and sandbag availability and location information is provided at the bottom of this statement.

Requests for additional information associated with managed lakes can be sent to the following water management groups:

1. Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)

E-mail: kemptville-kingston.mnrf@ontario.ca

2. Portage Power (PP)

E-mail: info@portagepower.com

3. Parks Canada

E-mail: rideau@pc.gc.ca

More information is available here: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet

4. Cataraqui Conservation

E-mail: info@crca.ca

Staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts and will update statements as needed. This Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect until (or updated before) Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

For up-to-date flooding information, please visit our flood forecasting and information page at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/flood

 See below for watershed conditions terminology:

Normal: No flood conditions exist

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourse or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.

Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.

Affected residents are advised of the following sand and sandbag availability and location information (separate municipalities):

Residents in the Township of Athens

44 Elgin Street North - call first to schedule pick up (613-924-2044) sand only (no bags)

Residents in the Township of Augusta

Call 613-925-4231 x 201 if you have questions about sandbag supplies

Residents in the City of Brockville

Contact the City if you have questions about sandbag supplies

Residents in the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley

Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies

Residents in the Township of Front of Yonge

Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies https://mallorytown.ca/contact/

Residents in the Town of Gananoque

Public Works Yard Waste Depot located at the end of James A. Brennan Road - call first (613-382-4422)

Residents in the City of Kingston

Creekford Road Public Works site. Residents should submit a request through Contact Us https://www.cityofkingston.ca/city-hall/contact-us , or call 613-546-0000, and arrangements can be made to have someone meet them on site

Residents in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands (2 locations)

• Main Township yard located at 1233 Prince Street in Lansdowne
• North yard located at 312 Lyndhurst Rd in in Lyndhurst

At both locations, clean sand stored in two yellow covered containers. Bags, a shovel, and a filling cone available for public use.

Residents in Loyalist Township

Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies

Residents in the Town of Greater Napanee

Contact the Town if you have questions about sandbag supplies

Residents in the Township of Rideau Lakes

Municipal storage dome at 1410 County Road 8 in Philipsville - call first (613-349-2314)

Residents in the Township of South Frontenac

2490 Keeley Rd, Sydenham – call first to schedule pick up (613-376-3027)